Office Depot (NYSE:ODP) today revealed the next phase of its multi-faceted anti-bullying partnership with One Direction by announcing sponsorship of the band’s summer movie premiere. The One Direction: This is Us premiere event will take place in New York City and will help benefit the anti-bullying educational component of the strategic partnership.

The private after-party will include a Charitybuzz silent auction featuring exclusive celebrity items and experiences. Each band member will donate a personal item, and never-before-seen, life-size signed prints will be among the available items. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Office Depot Foundation’s anti-bullying education efforts, launching in schools this fall.

“We’re excited to be part of a program that promotes such an important message: bullying must stop,” said Zayn Malik of One Direction. “From the start of the collaboration, we’ve partnered with Office Depot to create incredible products that communicate our anti-bullying message. The money raised at our movie premiere event will help spread the message to ‘Live Unique’ and to treat each other with respect in schools across America."

“Through our partnership with One Direction and our work with the Office Depot Foundation, we are developing a truly meaningful, anti-bullying program,” said Bob Moore, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer for Office Depot. “We’re excited to join with One Direction to make a difference in students’ lives and appreciate Sony Picture’s partnership in premiering this movie for such an important cause.”

“With our premiere event, we not only wanted to celebrate the movie, but find a way to reach out and make a difference. After all, the film is as much about the boys themselves as it is about their music – their humble, compassionate natures shine through,” said George Leon, Executive Vice President, Sony Pictures Consumer Marketing. “That’s why we’re gratified that Office Depot will be sponsoring the event as part of their anti-bullying campaign – this issue is personal to the boys, and we’re thrilled that the event will support it.”

A select number of tickets will be available for public purchase via Ticketfly for $500, allowing access to the red carpet premiere and private after-party. For those who would like to meet One Direction, Charitybuzz is auctioning off five event VIP packages, each including two tickets to the red carpet premiere and private after-party, including a photo opportunity with One Direction. The opening bid will start at $675. All proceeds from Ticketfly and Charitybuzz will support the Office Depot Foundation’s anti-bullying education.

Office Depot is also giving fans the chance to meet One Direction and attend the movie premiere and private after-party through the One Direction: This Is Us Movie Premiere Sweepstakes currently in stores and online*. Customers can visit an Office Depot store, purchase limited edition items from the 1D + OD product collection and enter the code from their receipt at www.officedepot.com. Five lucky recipients will win a pair of tickets to the movie premiere and private after-party, travel and accommodations to New York City, a $250 stipend and a once-in-a-lifetime photo op with the band. Winners will be announced through early August.

The 1D+OD Together Against Bullying back-to-school campaign consists of a limited edition product line helping to raise $1 million for anti-bullying education in schools across America. It also includes an integrated marketing campaign featuring 30- and 70-second PSAs, viral videos and digital assets found at www.officedepot.com/together, a concert ticket sweepstakes, and sponsorship of the One Direction: This is Us movie premiere and private after-party.

The 1D + OD cause marketing campaign and product line was created by SEW Banded, a New York based brand image and marketing consultancy.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 13 AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Ends 11:59 PM 8/4/13. Visit http://officedepot.promo.eprize.com/sweeps/ for Official Rules and alternate free means of entry.

About Office Depot

Office Depot provides core office supplies, the latest technology, school essentials, copy & print services, cleaning & breakroom products, and furniture to consumers, teachers and businesses of all sizes through 1,614 worldwide retail stores, global e-commerce operations, a dedicated sales force, an inside sales organization, and top-rated catalogs. The Company has annual sales of approximately $10.7 billion, employs about 38,000 associates, and serves customers in 60 countries around the world. Office Depot’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP. Additional press information can be found at: http://news.officedepot.com.

About One Direction

One Direction – Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson – were discovered by Simon Cowell on the U.K.’s “The X Factor” in 2010. The band quickly gained a following to become one of the competition’s all-time most popular acts, finishing in the final three and garnering a gigantic and loyal fanbase along the way. In March 2012, One Direction’s debut album, “Up All Night,” made U.S. history, as it was the first time a U.K. group’s debut album entered the U.S. Billboard 200 chart at No. 1. The band has sold over 29 million records worldwide. In November 2012, One Direction released their sophomore album, “Take Me Home,” which includes the No. 1 single, “Live While We’re Young,” and are currently on a sold-out world tour.

About “ One Direction: This is Us”

One Direction: This Is Us is a captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. Weaved with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable story of Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis' meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on the X-Factor, to conquering the world and performing at London’s famed O2 Arena. Hear it from the boys themselves and see through their own eyes what it's really like to be One Direction. Directed by Morgan Spurlock ( Super Size Me) and produced by Simon Cowell, Adam Milano, Spurlock and Ben Winston. One Direction: This is Us is in theaters August 30, 2013

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/aboutsonypictures.html.

About Charitybuzz

Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through online auctions with the world’s most recognizable celebrities and brands. Featuring access to acclaimed actors and musicians, business and political leaders, star athletes, luxury travel, couture fashion, rare memorabilia and more, Charitybuzz brings its online community of bidders exclusive opportunities to live their dreams and make a difference. Since launching, Charitybuzz has raised more than $80 million for charity. To learn more, visit www.Charitybuzz.com, like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Charitybuzz or follow us on Twitter at @Charitybuzz.

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